How To End A Relationship With Someone You Aren't With

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How do you end a relationship that never began? Modern dating can lead many of us to have “situationships” that feel like real relationships but fall short of exclusivity and commitment.

Of course, breaking up with people you weren’t really with can seem a little awkward. How do you end something that didn’t start. But relationship experts at Insider explain that breakups even with those you are casually involved with should be approached with sensitivity and kindness. 

“Once you know things aren’t going to work with this other person, don’t string them along and wait and see who pops up in your Tinder feed to determine if you’re going to return his or her text,” licensed psychotherapist and life coach Tess Brigham explained to Insider.

Be upfront, and try to meet them for an in-person conversation, no matter how awkward that may be.

“We lose so much when we rely on texts for significant communication. We misread the intent behind written words and we fill in gaps, often with inaccurate stories. Even if the couple hasn’t actually been a ‘couple’ in terms of formally dating, if you’re spending time together or having sex, changing that situation is significant enough to benefit from an actual conversation,” licensed professional counselor Shelley A. Senterfitt, JD, MS, told Insider.

Once you get some one-on-one time with them, approach the conversations with transparency.

“Be as honest as you can without harming the other person. If the current arrangement no longer works for you because you’re too busy with other commitments, you’ve started dating someone else, or you’ve just decided you want more ‘me’ time, simply say so,” Senterfitt reccomends.

Taking the considerate actions above shows respect for your former lover/person you dated as a human being. Don’t be lame and ghost. Every relationship, no matter how small, deserves a chance to say goodbye.